I am looking for the best 7 seat 4x4 option for a newbie...

Hi Aaron

At the end of the day, it is going to be your hard earned money that you will be parting with.

You will find many options available, so choose what you want and not what a salesman will want to sell you.

Look at all the dealers and price around, as there will be very big variations in price from dealer to dealer.

My nephew is waiting for a new 200 Series Cruiser and the pricing variation was unreal, and his best deal at the end of the day was at our local Toyota dealer ($10,000 cheaper in Clare compared to the dearest dealer in Adelaide), which shows just what dealers will do or not do to get your business.

If size and money is not an issue, the 200 Series are a very nice vehicle. If you want something cheaper, then either the Prado or Pajero are both very good reliable vehicles.


Happy Hunting.



Cheers



Stephen

Aaron there was a similar thread on here recently. One of the problems if you're planning to use 6 or 7 seats will be where are you going to put your camping gear, food and spares?

Hi Aaron

When having a look, the Mitsubishi Challenger (2009 onwards) is a fantastic option, I have the 7 Seven seater and have made great use of the option, just remember that when you have the 7 seats up, you do not have much boot space.

Having said that, now a days there is no specially good or bad option, its just what suits you, your budget and your family need.

Good luck Rob

A lot of 4x4s these days have automatic gearboxes. There is nothing wrong with them although there maybe slightly less engine braking.

How large are the people in you family? -- Young kids, baby seats etc, or olders kids, teenagers etc

I had a R51 Pathfinder -- it was quite good -- but I reckon most 4WD would be cramped with 7 people in them -- The only thing I can think of is a Mitsubishi Delica



Check out the forum for Mitsubishi Delicas
http://www.delicaclub.com/

Cheers

You might want to have a look at the Discovery 3 or 4. Smaller on the outside than a 200 series but larger on the inside. You might find a manual early D3 but most will be auto. The auto has a torque converter that locks up when offroad when going downhill so full engine braking is available - no different to manual cars.

Garry